The Second Annual Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half-Marathon Kicks Off Today
The highly anticipated second edition of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half-Marathon takes place today, with rugby league legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield lending their support to the event.
Last year’s inaugural race was a resounding success, raising over £4 million for a worthy cause. As the city’s rugby league icon, Burrow’s name was the perfect choice to adorn this annual event. Although the former Leeds Rhinos star won’t be participating this time around, he has sent a heartfelt message to all the runners.
“Hi there everyone, it’s Rob. I just want to wish all the runners taking part in this year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half Marathon the very best of luck,” Burrow said via the Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All social media channels. “Although I won’t be taking part in the marathon this year, I will be there at the start line to cheer you on and make sure that you enjoy the day and keep smiling. Thank you to everyone taking part and good luck.”
Burrow’s longtime friend and fellow rugby league great, Kevin Sinfield, has also offered words of encouragement. Sinfield, who carried Burrow across the finish line in a poignant moment during last year’s event, reflected on the spirit and support shown by the Leeds community.
“Rob means a lot to all of us and to see so many people out on the streets last year proved that,” Sinfield told BBC Yorkshire. “Last year was incredible for so many different reasons but the main one being the spirit out on the streets and the spirit between the runners. The way that Leeds got behind it was fantastic.”
Sinfield hopes the unwavering support and camaraderie witnessed in 2022 will be replicated today, urging spectators to provide the same level of energy and assistance to the competitors.
“I hope the spirit is still as lively, bubbly and caring as it was last year,” Sinfield explained. “There were people standing on the streets handing out jelly babies and bananas and drinks. Please do the same again. Good luck, make sure you hydrate properly and make sure you look after each other. Don’t set off too quickly.”
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half-Marathon is not the only high-profile event taking place in the city this week, as the Premier League Darts competition is also ongoing. World Champion darts player Luke Humphries, a Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos fan, has graciously offered to auction off his one-of-a-kind Leeds-themed shirt, with proceeds going to the MND Association in support of Rob Burrow.
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